There’s nothing like adding a new member to your family to make a year memorable. Add in a trip to the beach with a four-year-old and an infant, starting a rigorous new Bible study, selling our first home, moving, and starting the building process…2015 held so many treasured, blessed, exhausting moments. If I’m being honest, I had to look at pictures just to remember what we did this year! The lack of sleep is getting to me, people! Fortuntely, my 8-month-old has FINALLY started sleeping through the night. Most of the time. (cue the Hallelujah chorus) I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store but I’d like to catch my breath first. That’s how life works, right?!
I’m not usually one to make resolutions. They’re either unattainable, unmet or uninspired. I remember a particular year in middle school that one of my resolutions was to “wear crazy eyeshadow colors. like yellow.” Yikes! Thankfully, that never happened!
This year, in an effort to simplify my life and streamline my thoughts, actions, belongings, & body (HA!)–I figured some goals should be set in place. All too often, I muddle through the day as a stay at home mom. I feel overwhelmed and underwhelmed all at the same time. If I’m being honest, some days I wake up looking forward to bedtime. When bedtime rolls around, I feel disappointed that I didn’t accomplish more than keeping everyone fed and safe. I know being home with my babies is my greatest ministry right now. There truly is no where else I’d rather be and I’m beyond thankful. I think it’s important; however, to acknowledge these feelings and have a game plan for combating them.
Putting those goals here for all to see should hold me accountable! I know I won’t be able to accomplish everything on this list; however, it is a reflection of the person I’d like to be. And in keeping with the goal of giving myself grace, I’m going to try not to stress over the things that aren’t crossed off my list!
Mom/Wife Goals
- Cook more often
- Ask for help before losing my mind
- Plan more dates
- Actually play with my kids
- Give and receive grace
- Let go of guilt (particularly mom guilt)
- Laugh! Stop being so serious 24/7
Family Goals
- Take more pictures of the four of us
- Learn & memorize scripture
- Eat healthier
- Be more active
- Simplify our belongings–only keep things we love and use regularly
Personal Goals
- Give myself permission to say “no” to things that I don’t want to do and “yes” to things that I do want (sounds simple, yes?)
- Create–just for the love of it
- Daily quiet time
- Stop being ruled by a fear of failure
- Exercise 3x/week even if it’s just 20 minutes of stretching/yoga
- Utilize a daily schedule to make better use of my time and energy
- Designate time to spend by myself recharging
For someone that doesn’t usually participate in New Year’s Resolutions, that sure looks like a lot! I think it will be interesting to review these at the end of 2016 to see what I accomplished. What are your goals for 2016? I’d love for you to leave them in the comments!
porch + pine 